Feeling a jabbing headache and nausea the next morning, Yumi called in sick to the office before heading to the doctor who easily diagnosed her of overwork. After getting a shot of nutrition, she rested at home and set an alarm on her clock for when she would meet with J-Hope.

On the other hand, she silenced her phone, depressed at the optimistic texts Jimin was sending about the upcoming concert. She just had no heart or courage to return his messages. She was partially thankful for her current ill condition because it meant she could evade him during work.

Having cried all night, she had time to reflect and stabilize mentally. Ultimately, she wasn't particularly afraid of revealing her double identity as long as no media attention came with the package. SoYou existed because of Yumi's love for music. Still, it would never be more than a hobby, so she wasn't averse to going dormant in the industry for a while. It has occurred before. With her unique hair dye and slim body, employees from YG Entertainment were successful in recognizing her on the streets without her disguise. She became uneasy when they teased on social media by revealing SoYou's illusive identity. Though composers were largely overlooked, their music wasn't, especially if a well-known singer or idol group furthered their popularity. And as one of the top ballad composers who has gotten multiple hits on music charts, the lack of social media presence or photographs were intriguing to some curious fans. Luckily, no major repercussions came out of the incident at YG as her contract requirements always included protection of her identity.

But Jimin was a completely different story.

The truth could do more harm to him than her. Nevertheless, she was torn between being straightforward or silent. Instinctively, she knew if Jimin learned of her identity from someone else, he'd spiral through his negative train of thoughts without a chance for Yumi to reassure him that she wasn't hiding the truth because she was in anyway displeased towards him.

She had to tell him. Directly.

This was the solution her mind reached and she intended to act upon it. At least, once she had the correct words to convey scripted in her head when she meets Jimin. Gripping her hands together, she prayed that this would end without him crying.

Please...let me be able to protect him even if it's from himself.

After a moment, Yumi sighed deeply and curled into her blankets. Similar to Jimin, she had a tendency to overthink matters which would often end in a desire to run away from all of her problems. This wasn't any different. The thought of cutting all ties with Jimin as SoYou has been considered. Since the beginning, she had been extra cautious with her interactions with BigHit's producers and with a fair amount of confidence, the truth may never come to light. That way, Yumi could forever act the innocent listener for Jimin.

If he never knows, he won't get hurt. With her entire heart, she would be fine with that solution as well even if it would hurt her instead.

***

Since before dawn, BigHit's production staff had been setting up the audio and lighting equipments within the Gymnasium Stadium, prepping the vast stage for BTS who arrived a couple of hours later. After the boys took center stage and greeted the staff, Jimin surveyed the vast stadium and the countless of rows of empty seats. In a month, they would all be filled by ARMY, including Yumi and possibly SoYou. Jimin gripped his fists to his chest and inhaled.

I have to do my best.

During rehearsal, they also practiced Rise which was scheduled to be premiered in the middle end of the concert. With all the members spread out evenly, Jimin stood center stage and sung passionately.

Image it.

With ARMY, my friends, members, and family...I will rise.

Once he finished the last chord, echoes of claps and cheers could be heard. When he noticed V and J-Hope making exaggerated heart signs towards him from across the stage, he laughed happily.

Rehearsal carried then on smoothly through the regular end half of the Wings program. And soon, the members were free to disperse so the production staff could continue making adjustments to the technical equipment. They split with some heading back to the dorm to rest while others went out for an early dinner.

Meanwhile, J-Hope and Jimin returned to the office, having received confirmation that SoYou was coming to assist with J-Hope's mixtape. As they waited in the recording studio for her, J-Hope played his favorite tracks from his mixtape and Jimin hummed along, enjoying the energetic yet warm melodies. These kinds of bright lyrical songs matched his hyung so well.

After half an hour, the two were slumped on the sofa side by side, focused on their phones when a knock on the door got their attention. With a lowered head, SoYou entered, punctual for their scheduled meeting, dressed in a black top with black tights and equipped with a black mask and baseball cap. She jerked back in surprise when she found Jimin present as well, causing her to freeze at the entrance.

Why-! Why is he here?!

When the two boys bowed politely, she responded then averted her eyes promptly from Jimin as she shakingly took a step inside.

"It's really been awhile, SoYou." As if his soft voice had stabbed her, she froze in place again.

It had just been yesterday that she found out Jimin would invite SoYou to the concert alongside Yumi and the impending disaster that would follow. She had every intention to reveal the truth to him but not now! She wasn't ready mentally or physically for him at all.

I can't...will myself to do or say anything. This is... I'm actually scared that any little action could hurt him.

I want to run away and hide.

B-but I can't do something like that now...not like this. It'd be rude...

At their confused stares, she knew she couldn't stand dubious like this for long. So she decided.

I'll avoid the topic altogether. If he brings up the concert, I'll run... I have to.

I couldn't possibly tell him the truth now nor do I want to reject his invitation. He'll end up hurt either way.

She was going to utilize SoYou's silent persona. On the same scale as the contacts between Jimin and Yumi, she valued SoYou's relationship with the boys which shouldn't be impacted by the current dilemma she was facing.

With a firm resolve in mind, she finally moved. Nodding slightly to agree with Jimin's earlier comment, she took a seat on the sofa across from them. Pulling out her tablet from her bag, she set up the attachable keyboard. She had determined prior to leaving her house that rather than using her notebook for communication, typing would be faster which was necessary when meeting with J-Hope. "Sorry to keep you guys waiting. I've received your email about your mixtape, so what would you like help on?"

J-Hope smiled warmly. "Well, I'd like some advice on some changes on the chords. And since Jiminie here wouldn't stop bragging about how amazing you are, I wondered if you could help me." J-Hope ruffled Jimin's hair, making him giggle.

SoYou unconsciously gripped the edge of the tablet, perturbed at Jimin bragging about her as she watched him laugh merrily. The possibility of his smile disappearing because of her was frightening.

"Ah, come on, hyung. He's not really exaggerating since I do find you amazing, but--" Jimin started before furrowing his brows, noticing SoYou's pale complexion. "SoYou? Are you alright? You look tired."

She showed him an 'okay' sign with her fingers as her heart swelled at the genuine concern laced in his voice.

J-Hope pouted. "Now that Jiminie mentioned it, you really do look tired. Could it be a spread of the flu? A lot of people called in sick today, including Yumi."

Jimin perked his ears at that, grabbing his hyung's arm. "Yumi? She wasn't here today? W-why?"

"Calm down. Her coworkers mentioned she was just not feeling well. If you're that sensitive, you'll make yourself sick. Besides, you've been in constant contact with her since last year when she helped you, right? Text her." J-Hope smirked.

"Ah! Hyung!" Jimin immediately recognized the face his hyung was making. And he was also aware of the teasing that always tagged along whenever he was close with a girl friend, so he promptly looked for an escape. "R-right uh...I shouldn't stay here. Sorry, hyung. SoYou as well. I'll leave so you can work together. I'll be in the break room." J-Hope chuckled and waved as Jimin bowed quickly before bolting out of the recording studio.

SoYou too would usually laugh at such enduring behavior. But her muddled mind prevented her from naturally displaying any hint of fondness. Though, she managed a small smile, relieved at Jimin's departure.

***

Jimin slumped onto the sofa in the break room, exhaling tiredly. He had initially intruded in J-Hope's meeting due to his hyung requesting his attendance to brighten the atmosphere but also to selfishly witness their relationship firsthand. He felt apologetic to J-Hope for hiding his true intention but once he and SoYou greeted each other professionally, he felt triumphant.

She didn't talk to his hyung or display any personal favor towards him.

And I felt happy...and ugly.

Why did I agree to follow hyung? I had pounded myself last night that even if she was like how she was with me to others as well, I wouldn't be any less special.

I hate this me that constantly demanded validation from others for my own worth.

Shaking his head roughly, he willed himself to stop. Any more depressing thoughts and he wouldn't be able to sleep soundly.

Pulling his phone out, he texted Yumi to distract himself. "I heard you called in sick today. Are you alright?"

***

SoYou held her head low and typed swiftly, alert to every comment J-Hope would offhandedly make as the tracks he had questions on looped through a playlist. He had intended to get SoYou's opinion of the mixtape's track order in addition to reviewing the conflicting chords.

In the middle of a response, she peeked to her phone at the buzz of a notification. Biting her lips, she knew from the personalized sound that it was from Jimin and when his name and message previewed on the lock screen, she sighed.

Motioning to her phone with her fingers, J-Hope nodded without hesitation. "Go ahead."

Pausing at his calm words, she couldn't help but stare, feeling admiration at J-Hope's serious demeanor. He wasn't disturbed from the sudden notification at all as he continued focusing on his experiments with various chords on the keyboard. He was so passionate about music and she had to respect that.

As such, she responded to Jimin's message with desire of quickly returning to assist J-Hope. "I'm fine. There's no need to worry at all but thanks for asking! I'll be off for a few days to rest at home but I'll definitely be going to the concert. I'm so excited for it so please make sure you rest plenty for it as well."

***

Jimin smiled, comforted at Yumi's immediate response since it meant she was truly fine. Lying through text was easy and he has done so plenty of times. For a couple of years after BTS's debut, he'd lie that he was resting after collapsing from practice when in fact he was continuing the routine at home. BigHit caught on to this so they ordered that someone was required to keep watch over him be it a manager or his members.

A thought passed by him then. He recalled someone telling him that Yumi lived alone. It had to be either J-Hope or V since they make effort to interact with all staff but either way, she doesn't have anyone looking after her. In comparison, Jimin had his members always over his shoulder and spoiling him when he was unwell.

He could be that for her. He could take care of Yumi. Of course, because he had a desire to return her help when he fainted but also a simple one to spend time with her.

Would I come off as too aggressive if I buy her get well gifts?

He contemplated for a moment and decided to just take the chance. So, he texted her, saying that he would like to visit with some presents and if she would allow it, he could make her some food.

Jimin pocketed his phone then and relaxed into the sofa, making a mental note to go shopping tomorrow. It would be too late when J-Hope finished here. And if he ever discovers why Jimin was going, the teasing would surely never end. Though that was enough incentive to keep this a secret from his hyung, Jimin had a nagging feeling that J-Hope (and the other members) would disapprove for some reason.

-End of Chapter-

<Word count: 2186 words>